Consumers are experiencing higher interest rates and tighter loan restrictions. Our Investing section says now more than ever, you need to manage your credit card relationships efficiently.

A lot of folks would like to purchase a vehicle that is more gentle on the environment, but need to weigh those attributes against the bottom line. Our Savings column reports that the traditional gap is narrowing.

Cutting Costs & Coupons

Couponing … Do You Clip, Collect or Click?

Online couponing is gaining in popularity for a number of logical reasons. But there’s still some distance to travel before this option surpasses more traditional ones.

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Saving What You've Got

Do Hybrid Savings Add Up?

A lot of folks would like to purchase a vehicle that is more gentle on the environment, but need to weigh those attributes against the bottom line. A recent study reports that the traditional gap is narrowing.

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Investing What You Can

Debt Counseling Dangers

In the last few years we've seen an increase in consumer complaints about debt management companies. Most provide a great service, but you need to exercise caution to choose the right firm.

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Home & Real Estate

Realtor Realities

You’ve decided to put your house on the market. Now it's time for the second most important decision – hiring a realtor. The success of your sale hinges on making a good choice.

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Increase Your Car's Resale Value Every Day It may seem counter-intuitive, but from the moment you purchase a vehicle you need to be thinking about selling it. There’s no need to obsess over the occasional spill or scratch – they’re inevitable – but proper, continuous upkeep of your ride will make a big difference when it’s time to replace it with your next one. Here are three ongoing things to keep in mind to push your resale value as high as possible. Keep on schedule – It’s important to follow the upkeep instructions from your manufacturer. Equally important, document all your routine maintenance visits. It makes it easier to stay on schedule and also offers proof of performance for prospective buyers. Keep it clean – From a resale standpoint, cleanliness is virtually as important as maintenance. By treating your vehicle the same way your treat your home, you make a great first impression and send a message that the car has been properly cared for. Carpeting is especially important. Try to clean stains quickly and thoroughly. Try to vacuum on a regular basis. Keep it simple – Try to resist that temptation to make a statement with your ride, by altering its look or operation. The more outrageous your modification, the greater the negative impact on resale. If you do choose to drop in a tricked-out audio unit or other add-on, keep the original parts so that you can get it as close to that presentation when it’s selling time.

Increase Your Car's Resale Value Every Day

It may seem counter-intuitive, but from the moment you purchase a vehicle you need to be thinking about selling it. There’s no need to obsess over the occasional spill or scratch – they’re inevitable – but proper, continuous upkeep of your ride will make a big difference when it’s time to replace it with your next one. Here are three ongoing things to keep in mind to push your resale value as high as possible.

Keep on schedule – It’s important to follow the upkeep instructions from your manufacturer. Equally important, document all your routine maintenance visits. It makes it easier to stay on schedule and also offers proof of performance for prospective buyers.

Keep it clean – From a resale standpoint, cleanliness is virtually as important as maintenance. By treating your vehicle the same way your treat your home, you make a great first impression and send a message that the car has been properly cared for. Carpeting is especially important. Try to clean stains quickly and thoroughly. Try to vacuum on a regular basis.

Keep it simple – Try to resist that temptation to make a statement with your ride, by altering its look or operation. The more outrageous your modification, the greater the negative impact on resale. If you do choose to drop in a tricked-out audio unit or other add-on, keep the original parts so that you can get it as close to that presentation when it’s selling time.

Money Expert Archives

In the average American home, bathrooms are responsible for 75% of all water used.